South Australia faces a severe energy crisis. Most residents have their power restored within a day, but for some it takes much longer. More storms in December and a heat wave the following February result in further blackouts and disruption. The frequency and intensity of these storms continues relentlessly throughout the summer of 2017.

NORMAL LIFE GRINDS TO A HALT

The devastating impact on people’s lives and businesses is undeniable. The debate rages on: Everyone agrees something has to be done, but what? The eventual solution is truly innovative.

THE LARGEST BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM WORLDWIDE

A BATTERY BANK WITH SEVERAL HUNDREDPOWERPACKS MADE OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

CONSTRUCTED BY NEOEN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT AND TESLA

Neoen, the French specialist for renewableenergy, already owns and operates the Hornsdale Windfarm in South Australia.

SUPPORTED BY HDI

Neoen is a longstanding client of HDI. Via Neoen’s insurance broker Willis Towers Watson, HDI is selected as the insurance partner of choice and risk mitigation expert for the completed facility. The resulting policy, known as an Industrial Special Risks Insurance Policy, covers Material Loss or Damage, including Machinery Breakdown and Boiler/Pressure Vessel Explosion and Business Interruption.

THE RESULT: GRID STABILITY

The battery's key function is in fact not to store renewable electricity for release in times of low supply, but rather to provide grid stability and security.

The advantage of the giant battery over other sorts of storage — and particularly over fossil fuel generation — is its ability to switch on and off almost instantaneously, meaning it is capable of responding in milliseconds.

THE RESULT: GRID STABILITY

The battery's key function is in fact not to store renewable electricity for release in times of low supply, but rather to provide grid stability and security.

The advantage of the giant battery over other sorts of storage — and particularly over fossil fuel generation — is its ability to switch on and off almost instantaneously, meaning it is capable of responding in milliseconds.

"This is the largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility to be built anywhere in the world. It is a "game changer" with respects to the renewable energy market here in Australia. It also allows HDI an ideal opportunity to showcase our capabilities in writing world-leading assets."